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Each of the above members are willing to serve on the AMG 2012 Grants Committee; however, we wanted to ask for feedback on keeping the same members on Grants Committee. Also, we want to see if any others are interested in participating on the Committee - if interested, please send a PM to Grants Committee.

The history, purpose and functions of the Committee:

The AMG Grants Committee (the GC) was formed in 2005 as a means of pooling donations from generous members and other sources to help out some members who wanted to attend the AMG but were financially constrained.

PURPOSE

The Grants Committee aims to grant assistance to as many members in need wishing to attend the gathering as the available funds would allow. The GC shall manage all AMG grant operations and ensure there is adequate controls and transparency regarding the donation and grant operations process.

The Grants Committee shall support the following specific tasks: Soliciting donations Grant allocation  Periodic reporting to the wider forum members

The Grants Committee shall consist of at least three and at most five members.

The AMG Grant Committee is the ONLY time members are allowed to use these Forums for fundraising.

All donations are kept confidential. The names of members assisted with grant funds/donations are also kept confidential.

There are typically two types of donations: 1) cash donations to the Committee which are then directed to assist individuals in need (through procurement/sharing of hotel rooms, travel fare, etc) and 2) members who will sponsor another member (i.e. share or pay directly for another member's room, travel, etc.).

Everything is done with the greatest amount of transparency (with the exception of keeping confidential the names of donors and members requesting/receiving assistance). Regular reports are posted in the forum regarding funds received and funds disbursed.

A great many individuals have been helped during past AMGs through the assistance of other members. Funds raised for various AMGs have ranged from $2,000 - to over $5,000 (not including direct sponsorships of individual members). Through the generous assistance of other members, the AMG 2011 Grants Committee was able to raise over $3,000 and assisted 7 members in attending AMG 2011.

The assistance provided by the grants can make the difference in whether a member is able to attend the AMG or not.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask - If you want to be involved, send a PM, as noted above. After the Committee is established - a separate thread will announce this and provide info for those members who want to donate or who may wish to request assistance.

We would like to have your feedback on retaining current members and have the Committee finalized by the time site selection is completed on November 15th (or sooner, if possible).

Unfortunately, due to personal reasons I am not going to be able to be a part of the 2012 Grants Committee . I just do not see myself being able to give it 100% this year, just too much already on my plate. So I think it only fair that I step back and let someone else come aboard.

With that being said, I have no doubt Jody, Nick, Phil, and whoever else may join will come together to make this the best year yet for the Grants Committee.!!

Unfortunately, due to personal reasons I am not going to be able to be a part of the 2012 Grants Committee . I just do not see myself being able to give it 100% this year, just too much already on my plate. So I think it only fair that I step back and let someone else come aboard.

With that being said, I have no doubt Jody, Nick, Phil, and whoever else may join will come together to make this the best year yet for the Grants Committee.!!

-Will

WOW - dang Will so sorry to hear this, but definitely understand - are you still going to be able to be part of the great forum cookbook sale - if we are having it this year?

well if there is something that i can help with, i wouldnt mind. i'd just like to know what i would be doing or what it entails

Hi Mikey -

The basics (very basics) are a willingness to review with the highest degree of confidentiality requests for assistance from other members, assist in making decisions regarding allocation of funds based on requests received and funds available; assist with fundraising; and assist with accounting for funds donated to support members who may need assistance to attend AMG.

cool beans, i' work in the travel business so usually i get discounts at marriott properties, so thats where i will more than likely stay if it close to the host hotel. someone can certainly stay with me